The post-match on-court interview has long been a staple of tennis coverage on television, generally featuring inoffensive questions where players discuss their match, compliment their opponents, and preview their next challenge. However, this year at the Australian Open, these interviews have taken on a heightened significance.
While these interviews typically allow fan favorites to showcase their personalities and connect with the crowd, they rarely turn hostile. Yet, Ben Shelton, the current world No. 20 and fourth-highest ranked American tennis player, used his post-match press conference after his quarterfinal win on Wednesday to express his disdain for the on-court interviewers at the Australian Open.
Interesting end to Ben Shelton’s press conference.
Unprompted, he took a moment to tear into the quality of local broadcasting and specifically on-court interviewing at #AusOpen. pic.twitter.com/ig76VrKq2C
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 22, 2025
Before concluding his press availability, Shelton voiced his concerns regarding the treatment of players by AO broadcasters. (Transcription courtesy of Ben Rothenberg.) He stated, “I’ve been a little shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters. I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak was a one-off incident. I’ve noticed it with others, including Learner Tien after his win over Medvedev. The post-match interview was embarrassing and disrespectful.”
He elaborated further, noting uncomfortable comments made during his interviews, such as, “Hey, Monfils is old enough to be your dad. Maybe he is your dad,” and, “Hey, Ben, how does it feel that no one will be cheering for you?” While he acknowledged the truth in some of these statements, he expressed that they lacked respect, particularly from someone he’s never met.
Shelton asserted, “Broadcasters should help us grow our sport and help athletes enjoy their moments on the biggest stage. There has been a lot of negativity, which I believe needs to change.” His remarks followed a series of controversial comments made by a Channel 9 broadcaster regarding Novak Djokovic, leading the tennis star to boycott on-court interviews until an apology was issued by the network.
For Shelton, these occurrences exemplified a pattern rather than isolated issues. He recalled an offensive question posed to him after his fourth-round victory, implying that the 38-year-old Gael Monfils could be his father. Although Shelton initially questioned the racial implications of the remark, he later clarified that he did not believe it was racially charged.
This isn’t the first time players and the media have found themselves at odds; Naomi Osaka has taken multiple breaks in her career due to her negative experiences with the press. Shelton, now preparing for his second career Grand Slam semifinal, believes his moment should be celebrated, not overshadowed by negative comments from interviewers immediately following one of his career’s biggest wins.
It’s clear that the Australian Open interviewers are now on notice.
